Progress for court rolling along

GARLAND — Town officials are continuing to make plans for a basketball court at the Curtis D. Cain Memorial Park.

Smith Brothers Paving began work by laying a foundation for the surface. Now, striping and the installation of basketball goals are next.

The town received $3,000 in donations for basketball goals. John Clark of Han-Dee Hugo’s donated $2,500 and $500 from Brooks Brothers. Mayor Winifred Murphy is expecting another $300 in the next few days.

Before Judy Smith resigned as commissioner, she assisted with the project by getting quotes for labor. During a Tuesday meeting, commissioners made a decision to move forward with work.

Murphy and the commissioners also discussed rules they would like to set for the court. Regulations from James L. Newkirk Memorial Park in Clinton were used an an example. Some of the rules included no loud music and profanity, wearing shorts and pants at all times, no dunking and hanging on rims. Others involved good sportsmanship. Food, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and glass bottles will not be allowed on the court.

The court may be utilized from sunrise to sunset and anyone under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.

For the safety of visitors, Murphy would like to work with Garland Police Chief Ronald Matthews on adding a children’s crossing sign. Commissioner Lee Carberry said he would like to speed bumps on the streets near the park.

A completion date for the basketball court has not been announced.

Mutual aid agreement

The Garland Commission approved a mutual aid agreement with the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency agencies, for its new police department.

It allows Garland Police Chief Matthews and other departments to receive assistance from local deputies and others across jurisdictional boundaries during emergency situations.

The resolution also states that the Garland department may work with other agencies when it comes to sharing equipment, supplies or during undercover operations.

The mutual aid resolution is one of several steps involved in the creation of the department, which began after commissioners made a decision to operate a police unit after the costs of a contract with the Sampson County Sheriff’s increased.

Matthews was sworn in as the new police chief on Aug. 8.

Work is underway for a basketball court in Garland.

https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Park.jpgWork is underway for a basketball court in Garland.

Mutual aid agreement for police OK’d

By Chase Jordan

cjordan@s24477.p831.sites.pressdns.com

ReachChase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.

ReachChase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.